Stephen Mejias

Munich High End 2011

PSB’s Alpha B1 in high-gloss white!

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

Here I am, whispering sweet nothings to PSB’s outstanding Alpha B1 ($279/pair)&#151only moments earlier, I was totally making out with it&#151one of my very favorite standmounted loudspeakers and our 2007 "Budget Product of the Year".

I’ve owned a pair of these overachievers for several years now, but mine are in a more modest black ash&#151not quite as sexy as this new high-gloss white finish. (I want it!)

Munich High End 2011

A Perfect Match

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

“Oh, these are cute!” Rosemarie exclaimed.

She was immediately attracted to PSB’s new Imagine Mini ($700/pair), which made its debut at January’s Consumer Electronics Show.

Can you blame her? These loudspeakers are small, powerful, attractive, and fun. (And they match Rosemarie’s outfit.)

Munich High End 2011

Small Courtyards

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

I haven’t quite figured out the layout of the M.O.C., but I’ve enjoyed the small courtyards which connect the different halls. Here, people take breaks from the action inside, to read, drink, and eat. This particular section has the look and feel of a small beer garden.

I love Germany.

Munich High End 2011

A Smile, a Balloon

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

Sales coordinator Rosemarie Torcivia smiles for the camera; a large balloon hovers in the background, announcing the 2011 Munich High End Show.

Munich High End 2011

Arriving At the M.O.C.

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

We were impressed by the size and overall design of the M.O.C., site of the 2011 Munich High End Show.

Munich High End 2011

A Perfect Place to Work

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

Connecting to the Internet in my small room at the Park Inn&#151nothing fancy, but a perfect place to work.

Munich High End 2011

Welcome, Mr. Mejias

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

As I opened the door to my little room, I was greeted by the distinct buzz of television electricity. I wondered if someone was inside, waiting for me.

No such luck, but I found something similarly delightful: A friendly greeting from the hotel, in charming, 8-bit glory.

Munich High End 2011

Eroticland

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

As we climbed the stairs into the sunlight and ventured out onto Frankfurter Ring, we were happily surprised to find that our hotel was right next door to a curious place called Eroticland. Somehow, this seemed appropriate.

Would this turn out to be a sexy hi-fi show?

Munich High End 2011

The S1 to the U2

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

We took the S1 to the Feldmoching stop where we transferred to the U2. From there, Frankfurter Ring, and our lovely little Park Inn were just moments away.

Munich High End 2011

A Sign of Things to Come

Stephen Mejias May 19, 2011

As we raced to catch the bus that would take us from Manhattan to Newark Liberty Airport, Rosemarie Torcivia and I were caught in an incredible downpour&#151rain like we rarely see it in New York City. Our trip to Germany for the 2011 High End Show had gotten off to a soggy start. Was this a sign of things to come?